• Thelsim@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    So… being one of those spouses who uses wd40 on everything. Do you have link to some easily understandable info on when to use the right lubricant?

    • lightnsfw@reddthat.com
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      1 year ago

      One easy rule of thumb is if you’re looking to lubricate something WD40 is never the correct choice. It’s not a lubricant, it’s for cleaning/breaking shit loose.

      • catfish@lemmy.ml
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        1 year ago

        The only thing worse than people using WD-40 instead of a better product, are the mental gymnastics performed by people pretending a product which is 35% oil and sold as a lubricant, actually isn’t.

        • lightnsfw@reddthat.com
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          1 year ago

          If you want to use it as a lubricant go ahead. Just be prepared to have to do it more often than you would with a more suitable product.

    • ryathal@sh.itjust.works
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      1 year ago

      Wd40 is good for preventing rust, and helping to get things that are seized moving again. If you want to lubricate a door hinge, something like 3 in 1 oil is a good choice.

      • Ms. ArmoredThirteen@lemmy.ml
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        1 year ago

        Yeah it has uses but specifically people seem to use it as a catch all which is where the misuse comes in. I’ve used it to unfuck rusty screws before it is great at that

    • Ms. ArmoredThirteen@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      Mechanical stuff you’re looking at grease, oil, penetrating, or dry. I found this with a quick search for more info. Personally I’ve found white lithium grease to be the best general purpose one for my needs (squeaky hinges, drawer wheels) but it can be pretty messy if used in the wrong spots. For most fast moving things with fine parts (like a bike chain) I really like wax lubes but they can get gummy sometimes so silicone works well too.

      For sex I prefer water based because it is easier on toys and doesn’t make me fear for my life when trying to wash off in the shower after. It isn’t usually as long lasting as silicone based but it can be ‘revived’ with some water or other fluids. Anal I prefer oil based (shout out to Boy Butter because the name and logo are ridiculous but it works amazingly) but it also damages condoms so like if you’re not using an insertable go for the protection and silicone combo. For oral I’ll concede that wd40 actually has a use case here.

      • ExperimentalGuy@programming.dev
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        1 year ago

        Ive never used wd 40 during sex before. I’m sure it’ll be a surefire way to get an insurance covered vasectomy, also known as testicular cancer.

        • Ms. ArmoredThirteen@lemmy.ml
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          1 year ago

          I’m supposed to get mine removed next year but insurance is giving me the middle finger. Hoping my WD40 habits get me into the doctors sooner and with insurance.

    • Fosheze@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      If you’re looking for an actual “all-purpose” lubricant try tri-flow lubricant. It’s technically a chain lube but it works pretty well for most light duty household stuff and it sticks around a whole lot longer than WD40. Generally wherever you think WD40 is a good idea that stuff will usually work better. The only downside is that it smells strongly like bananas for a while after you spray it on because it contains banana oil. It’s not a bad smell but it’s definitely noticable.

      WD40 is a bit of a catch all. It kind of does a lot of things but it isn’t great at any of them. It’s kind of a penetrating oil for busting things loose but it doesn’t work nearly as well as an actual penetrating oil. It’s kind of a part cleaner but it won’t work nearly as well as an actual part cleaner. It’s kind of a lubricant but it won’t work nearly as well as an actual lubricant. If you had one can of stuff to bring with you to a deserted island then WD40 would be the best thing to bring. But other than that there is always a better dedicated spray for whatever you want to do.